Sunderland are set to embark on a busy pre-season schedule this summer.

Sunderland are set to net up to £2.5 million from their “lucrative” pre-season tour of the United States.

That’s according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, who has shared his verdict on the Black Cats’ upcoming trip across the Atlantic, during which they will face clashes against Premier League rivals Liverpool and Leeds United, as well as Championship outfit Wrexham.

Regis Le Bris’ men will begin their preparations for the 2026/27 campaign with a friendly against York City at the LNER Community Stadium on Saturday, July 18th, before departing for Nashville, Tennessee. A week in the Music City will culminate with a game against Liverpool on Saturday, July 25th.

From there, Sunderland will travel to Harrison, New Jersey, to face Leeds on Thursday, July 30th, and will then conclude their time in the US with a match against Wrexham in Chester, Pennsylvania on Sunday, August 2nd. The Black Cats will wrap up their pre-season efforts with a friendly against RC Lens in France on Saturday, August 8th, and a home outing against Stade Rennais at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, August 15th.

What has been said about Sunderland’s preseason plans?

And all in all, Wyness is impressed with Sunderland’s plans - especially their American triple-header. Speaking to online outlet Football Insider, he said: “It’s very valuable for Sunderland, particularly the trip to the States. They're playing Liverpool, Leeds and Wrexham, who have a media profile.

“This is a great chance for them to present themselves to the US market after the World Cup. I think it will be good for them to start sponsor negotiations and those sorts of things. It will be a pretty lucrative pre-season.

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“It's going to be making between £1 million and maybe £2.5 million, over all the things that I can see. Sunderland, compared to where they were just a few seasons ago, their profile is now consolidated. People are starting to hear the name more and more. “It's a big strategic move for them, and I think it's a very good preseason fixture list. I understand it - it's commercially strong, it's football good, everything works pretty well for them - so I think full marks to them for getting it done.”

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